Five questions: San Diego Chargers

During the NFL season, Ben Standig will pose questions to an NFL Insider, team blogger, fantasy football analyst or enthusiast. Information rules all and the idea is to provide our readers with more of that 411 from those on the ground or those that passionately study the ins and outs of the gridiron game.

Up next, friend of the podcast Steve Adler, who has covered the San Diego Chargers for several seasons. Follow Steve on Twitter @steve_adler. He knows Chargers, he knows football, he knows fantasy. Don't forget that. Now, the Q&A...

1) Ben Standig, FFToolbox: We talked in the preseason and I don't think either of us see such offensive potency out of this team. What changed or what were we not seeing?

Adler: Great question! It appears as though Philip Rivers (with the exception of the Raiders game) knows that he doesn't have to be perfect to win games, but that if he can make solid throws, trust his teammates and not force the issue, the team can be more successful. Is it sustainable? Not at this pace, but he's a QB1 until he falls back down to earth.

2) Philip Rivers has gone from middling backup to top-10 fantasy QB. Does he maintain that status?

Adler: Yes. At least until he proves otherwise. No one should be starting him over Brees or Manning, but he's a QB1 and at the moment has exceptional trade value.

Adler: Expecting him to run for 100 yards a game is a bit much, but we all knew he was capable of 100 total yards each game. As long as McCoy doesn't have a short leash, RM24 should be a solid RB2, at least until his next fumble

4) My man crush on Keenan Allen is in full bloom, but I can't forget he's a rookie, a class of football player known for severe ups and downs. Which side should we expect more of going forward?

Adler: So many positive things about this Chargers offense. Allen has been great and I'd move him if possible. As we talked about before the Chargers receiver core is solid, but also injury prone and Allen is no different. Teams will adjust (just as they adjusted to Gates and Royal), but Allen has the swag and if Rivers keeps this grove, then Allen is a WR3, with WR2 upside.

5) While Allen and Eddie Royal have starred in spots, Vincent Brown hasn't gotten it going. Should owners hold tight or cut bait?

Adler: Considering the lack of depth everywhere, if guys are in a 12 team league or higher then you hold on Brown. Royal and Allen has a history of injuries, but as we saw last weekend, even Reggie Wayne couldn't avoid the injury bug this year. Hold tight on Brown, he could come in handy down the stretch.